Firefighters extinguish South End blaze

NEW BEDFORD — Firefighters extinguished a blaze Wednesday in a single-family house in the South End.

NEW BEDFORD — Firefighters extinguished a blaze Wednesday in a single-family house in the South End.

The fire severely damaged the first floor of a two-story cottage at 100 Rockland St. No one was home when the fire started.

About 26 firefighters from four engines and two ladder companies responded to the fire, which was reported 4:31 p.m. at the house located at the intersection of Rockland and Crapo streets.

Firefighters doused the flames within 12 minutes of arriving. Extensive fire and smoke damage were visible throughout the first floor. The Fire Department estimated damages to be between $30,000 and $40,000.

Most of the fire personnel left the scene by 6:30 p.m. Investigators were seen trying to determine the cause of the fire Wednesday evening.